St. Conleth’s Junior School Homework Policy

Introduction

Homework is anything that children do outside of the normal school day that contributes to their learning in response to guidance from the school.
Homework encompasses a whole variety of activities instigated by teachers and parents to support children’s learning.

 Rationale for homework

• Homework can be an important part of a child’s education and can add much to a child’s development.
• We recognise that the time and resources available limit the educational experience that any school by itself can provide, children benefit greatly, therefore, from the mutual support of parents and teachers in encouraging them to learn both at school and at home.
• Homework can be an important way of establishing a successful dialogue between teachers and parents. One of the aims of the Junior School is for children to develop as independent learners.
• We strongly believe that the pupils in St. Conleth’s Junior School should be the recipients of personalised learning and any homework exercises should reflect this.
• We believe that homework is one way in which children can acquire the skill of independent learning.
• Homework can play a positive role in raising a child’s level of attainment.
• We also acknowledge the important role of play and free time in a child’s growth and development.
• While homework is important, it should not prevent children from taking part in the wide range of out-of-school clubs and organisations that play an important part in the lives of many children.
• We are well aware that children spend more time at home than at school, and we believe that they develop their skills, interests and talents to the full, only when parents encourage them to make maximum use of their experiences and opportunities that are available out of school

 Aims and objectives

The aims and objectives of homework are:

• To enable pupils to make maximum progress in their academic and social development.
• To help pupils develop the skills of an independent learner.
• To promote a partnership between home and school in supporting each child’s learning.
• To enable aspects of the curriculum to be covered in greater depth.
• To provide educational experiences outside of the school environment.
• To open conversations about learning done in school and allow children to practice skills taught in lessons.
• To help children develop good work habits for the future.
• To support children in exploring appropriate themes and subjects that they are particularly curious or passionate about.

 Types of Homework

We set a variety of homework activities.

• In infant classes we encourage the children to read by giving them books to take home to read with their parents.
• We give guidance information to parents to help them achieve the maximum benefit from this time spent reading with their child.
• We also ask children from our infant classes to learn spellings linked to phonic patterns as part of their homework.

• From 1^st – 6^th Form we expect pupils to attempt tasks more independently.
• Homework exercises on the fundamental building blocks in mastering mathematical concepts
  e.g. mathematical tables and literacy concepts
  e.g. reading comprehension should be set for pupils where it is deemed necessary.
• We also set home exercises as a means of further consolidating knowledge, as well as to ensure that previous learning has been understood.
• Junior School teachers should endeavour to give homework that is based on enquiry and the natural curiosity of Junior School pupils.
• Numeracy exercises can be based on puzzles, problems and riddles which can excite the pupils’ interest. Literacy exercises should be focused on the individual.
• Large pieces of written work to be completed outside of school is not recommended for many students as it can be counterproductive in their learning journey.
• The goal of any homework exercise for any subject is that a pupil can approach the task independently and in a positive frame of mind.
• There should be a clearly defined rationale for the given exercise and it should not be merely a repeat of the lesson taught in class.
• Multiples of similar sums to be completed for homework is also not recommended as there is little knowledge to be gained after the first example and often amounts to little more than “busy work” with no defined benefit.

IXL Adaptive Learning Resource

St. Conleth’s Junior School strongly believes in educating our pupils as individuals and to this end has invested in an adaptive learning resource which enables pupils to login and engage in stimulating numeracy and literacy exercises adapted to their level. Each pupil has an individual learning journey which the class teacher and parent can monitor and receive detailed feedback on. It is a resource designed for both school and home and will allow pupils to revise lessons as well as challenge themselves to attempt new exercises. Work completed at home will be converted to detailed usable data to aid scaffolding in their learning journey.

Amount of time spent on Homework

• Learning exercises should be clearly defined without the need for specific time frames as every pupil works as an individual.
• Research and enquiry based learning rooted in individual interests should be open ended.

Pupils with special education needs

• Learning exercises done at home are for ALL children as a normal part of school life.
• We ensure that all tasks set are appropriate to the ability of the child.
• If a child has special needs, we endeavour to adapt any task set so that all children can contribute in a positive way and so that it is accessible to them.

The role of parents

• Parents have a vital role to play in a child’s education, and homework is an important part of this process.
• We ask parents to encourage their child to complete the homework tasks that are set.
• We invite them to help their children as they feel necessary and provide them with the sort of environment that allows children to do their best.
• Parents can support their child by providing a good working space at home, by providing access to educational material and by discussing the work that their child is doing.
• If parents have any problems or questions about homework, they should contact the child’s class teacher.